Apparently, Video Games Are Good For You... : Blog Of The NationCan't get outside to exercise? Don't worry -- the American Heart Association has put the stamp of approval on Nintendo's active-play video games.

Apparently, Video Games Are Good For You...

May 18, 20104:01 PM ET

John Asante

Remember all those times that mother dearest would tell you to "put down the controller, step away from the TV, go outside, and run around," like a cop controlling the living room? Maybe that's just me -- Donkey Kong consumed my life in the seventh grade. But if you've ever been engrossed in an RPGs, a first-person shooter, or anything starring Super Mario, you've probably heard endless not-so-positive comments on playing video games for hours on end. Well, avid gamers, your day has come -- if you own a Nintendo Wii.

Nintendo of America and the American Heart Association have joined forces to both inform people about the benefits of physical activity and help them find fun ways to become or stay physically active.

The relationship focuses on Nintendo's active-play video game products, including Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort and the Wii console itself. The boxes for each of these products will carry the American Heart Association brand to get people thinking about physically active play. The brand serves as a chance to remind people about the benefits of a healthy approach to living and how active-play video games can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Look for the iconic American Heart Association brand the next time you visit your local retailer, and start incorporating active-play video games into your selections.

According to Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, nearly 70 percent of Americans not getting the recommended levels of physical activity each week. With over 22 million Wii Fit sets sold to date, the next generation console known for helping patients recover from strokes and surgery -- a system known as Wiihabilitation -- hopes to promote general health awareness among the usual couch potatoes. Play on, player.